I would like info on Chestnuts. I started the plant by an actual chestnut which is now about 4 feet tall. Can a chestnut have a male or female seed? Also, do you need two plants in order for pollination? Thank you for your assistance, Angelo Di Placito
Hello Angelo, American chestnut trees (Castanea dentata) are monoecious. This botanical term literally means "one dwelling" and is understood to mean that both male and female flowers are found on the same plant. You are right to be concerned about self-pollination. It is apparently rare for chestnuts to self-pollinate, and it is recommended that two individuals be planted near to each other for the production of fruit. Some chestnut resources: Virginia Tech Forestry Department - Castanea dentata Missouri Botanical Garden - Kemper Center for Home Gardening - Castanea dentata Ohio State University Horticultural Extension - Castanea Please be aware of the problems with chestnut blight (Endothia parasitica) which the above sites reference. Best of luck.
